Job Discussion Forums

[chopstix]

Hi there,
I seriously need help. My situation is this : I come from South
Africa. I graduated from a computer college with a diploma in computer
programming. Recently I have discovered that the college downgraded the status of the diploma to a certificate.
Regardless, I have lived in Asia for over 8 years teaching English. I
completed a 360 hour Tesol course. Previously I have been able to get a
work permit with my college papers and Tesol, but due to recent changes
in policy I will no longer be able to obtain one as they say I need an
associate degree or bachelors degree. This leaves me with a very big
problem.
I need to get a legitimate degree as quickly as possible.
Can anyone tell me an accredited online university where I can get a
degree?
Are there any universities that convert life experience into credits?
Is it possible to bypass my degree and and get my PGDE?
Is Unisa (University of South Africa) a viable option?
I also heard of some people that had not completed their degree, but because of their experience were able to apply directly to masters programs in TESOL. Has anyone heard of this and if so, is there a list of any universities that allow this?
Are there any suggestions for ways for me to stay in asia teaching and
to complete my degree at the same time?
No marriage options please. Smile ...haha

[Glenski]

The requirements for a work visa that allows teaching (Specialist in Humanities/International Relations) are as follows:

EITHER
a bachelor's degree or equivalent
OR
a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience

Since you previously worked here 8 years, you have both. It's up to you to decide how you want to prove that to immigration.

Show them your original degree parchment plus visa stamps in your passport, OR show documentation supporting your work experience.

[Nabby Adams]

If you have already gotten your certificate past immigration then you don't need to show it again when it's time to renew. I would have thought you have already experienced this. So no need to worry. Surely if it was a degree when you graduated then it can't be "downgraded" as you say retrospectively anyway.
Me smells a sardine in the cats dish.

[Hoser]

Yeah I don't see the problem here. I mean unless your alma mater sneaked (snuck?) into your house and replaced your old diploma with the new downgraded one.